The Boston Celtics came and came again. At the scene of its criminal performance just two days prior, the road team produced a spirit unseen thus far in the Eastern Conference Finals to win 116-99.
After trailing at the half, Boston behind Tatum’s brilliance rallied to destroy the homecourt Heat in the final quarters, outscoring Erik Spoelstra’s team, 66-43. Critically, Boston poured on 38025 in the third to establish a healthy advantage.
Boston are still alive in the East Finals and face yet another elimination game, this time at the less-hostile TD Garden in Massachusetts. Jayson Tatum produced a superstar performance befitting of his reputation, pouring in 25 second-half points, finishing with 33 on the night. Tatum also had 11 rebounds and seven assists.
In what is sure to be great news for the NBA and neutral watchers, there will be at least one more matchup before the best-of-seven series vs. Denver for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Derrick White and Jaylen Brown both had 16 points, while the Boston bench stood up; Grant Williams went 4-of-6 from deep for 14 points and Robert Williams III added seven.
It is overzealous to say the complexion of the series has drastically altered, but Tuesday’s redemptive performance in Miami could set off a season-altering chain of events. The C’s had more than Tatum to thank despite his role as the catalyst for its season-saving performance in front of a slew of courtside stars.
For the stifled Heat, Jimmy Butler had 29 points in a poor shooting night, going 9-for-21 from the field. He had nine rebounds and five assists. Gabe Vincent and Caleb Martin were serviceable, putting up 17 and 16 points respectively.
Notwithstanding its sheer will to overcome Miami, Boston’s superiority from behind the arc proved crucial. Joe Mazzulla’s team were +33 from deep in a game they won by 17. The Heat’s 25% 3-point shooting was almost half its 48% from the first three games of the series.
A Celtics 12-0 run in the fourth virtually secured the win before a Kyle Lowry triple with less than six minutes to go broke the streak Miami’s first of the quarter, incredibly. The Heat scored just 20 points in the final quarter.
While the series still drastically sits in favor of the Florida franchise, Boston has an opportunity to force a Game 6 in Miami, down 3-2. Boston fans and the Association can only hope.
‘I think Game 5 is going to be a cakewalk for the Celtic,’ Charles Barkley said postgame on TNT. ‘I think they are going to have so much energy. Now, they are going back home and they are gonna be loud and incredible. I think they are gonna kill Miami next game.’
